There was still a bit of light coming in from the west window, so he was able to see the soundless shadow dash across the opening. It was too fast to hope for scoring a hit, but he fired twice anyway and then threw the empty clip into the air. He continued watching the doorway as the clip flew up and then tumbled down. The distinctive “ping” of an empty rifle filled the room when the clip bounced on the floor. Experienced German combatants didn’t usually fall for the ruse. Whatever was outside the room did though, and came rushing in.

Thomas Elliot, Corporal, United States Army, stared into the face of evil, but he smelled his squad mates’ guts. His training tried to take over, but his drill instructor yelled into his mind’s ear, “Lift that barrel up, private!” Th...

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